We have not forced anyone to bring Azerbaijani gasoline: Gegham Gevorgyan (video)

All market participants were informed about the possibility of importing gasoline from Azerbaijan, and no one was forced to do so, Gegham Gevorgyan, Chairman of the Competition Protection Committee, said in response to a question from Aysor.am following the government session.

“I don’t know who informed them, but all market participants are aware of this possibility. If a third party wants to import it, they are free to do so. This is a trial shipment, which is inexpensive because the railway did not charge a fee and logistics costs did not increase,” he noted.

According to the committee chairman, Azerbaijani gasoline is being sold at a low price precisely because it was imported at a low cost.

“Otherwise, we would be talking about an unjustified price decrease. Dumping implies economically unjustified low prices. If the pricing were economically unjustified, we would, of course, take preventive measures or initiate proceedings. At the moment, there is no such issue,” the official said.

When asked about the impact of Azerbaijani gasoline on the market, Gevorgyan noted that Armenia’s total annual fuel consumption is around 200,000 tons, while the imported volume is minimal.

“If the volume were large, it could have a positive effect and reduce fuel prices. However, this should be viewed differently – as an alternative source, like butter, sugar, or oil. We have not imported such volumes as to flood the market, force other players out, and then see prices rise the next day, leading to economic collapse. An experimental quantity has been imported, and it will not have any significant impact, as the volume is so small that it will be sold out very quickly.”